About Us

Glasgow Women’s Library is no ordinary library! We are the only resource of its kind in Scotland and a true national treasure.

1930s knitting patterns from the Archive collection

As well as a lending library, we hold a wonderful treasure trove of historical and contemporary artifacts and archive materials that celebrate the lives, histories and achievements of women. From Suffragette memorabilia and 1930s dress making patterns to rare 1970s Scottish Women’s Liberation newsletters, it’s all here!

We also support thousands of women across Scotland every year to improve their lives through our services and programmes, including support and activities that tackle a wide range of issues from poverty and women’s health, sexuality and surviving violence.

We have grown from a small grassroots project into the main hub for information by, for and about women in Scotland with 13 paid staff and more than 80 volunteers a year, offering specialized learning, collections and archives. GWL has always been a hotbed of ideas and is now growing into a pioneering women’s social enterprise.

A well-used, welcoming and accessible service, we take pride in our genuinely integrated and continually growing communities of users, from professional researchers to those who, for whatever reason, feel remote from culture and learning.

Phenomenal Woman Poetry Event at GWL, June 2011

First time visitors and old friends are always assured of a warm welcome.